SPRING 75 



shade-maples in the street are drooping, as 

 if water-soaked or chilled. Does the lack 

 of light sadden them ? The effect is some- 

 what lasting, for they do not brighten 

 promptly when the sun returns. But how 

 the fall of water inspirits the algae ! Look 

 for them on the north side of tree-trunks 

 after rain. Small boys who want to trail 

 grizzlies and red men through the woods 

 may begin their education in forestry in 

 our yards and streets. 



Earth is deceptive at least the mixed 

 kind on our block is so. It looks as if it 

 would be an easy thing to spade up the 

 whole yard in a day ; but as it is impossi- 

 ble to run a blade full depth in less than 

 three tries, the job becomes appalling be- 

 fore even the borders are dug over. We 

 gather up the cobbles and coal-hods that 

 are exhumed in this industry, and after 

 dark cast them into a hollow across the 

 way, where they and the bed- springs are 

 sure to become springs of profanity in the 

 man who is going to build there. (And 

 serve him right for shutting out our view !) 

 Once the digging promised to be interest- 



